Large-scale, in-house production of viral transport media for enhance diagnostic testing in resource-limited countries
Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical need for robust diagnostic testing. However, the rapid spread of the virus led to a depletion of diagnostic reagents and supplies, necessitating effective strategies to meet the increasing demand for viral transport media (VTM) in Pakistan....
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Springer Nature
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Discover Viruses |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s44370-025-00022-z |
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| Summary: | Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical need for robust diagnostic testing. However, the rapid spread of the virus led to a depletion of diagnostic reagents and supplies, necessitating effective strategies to meet the increasing demand for viral transport media (VTM) in Pakistan. In this study, we developed a large-scale production method for VTM by modifying the US-CDC protocol using limited resources. Our modified protocol involved utilizing 5% dextrose water as a balanced salt solution, supplemented with Kanamycin (0.5 µg/ml) and Benzyl penicillin (100 µg/ml). We successfully prepared over 2 million VTM vials using this modified formula during COVID-19 Pandemic. Notably, we replaced Hanks Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) with 5% dextrose in water, and Amphotericin B and Gentamicin with Kanamycin and Benzyl penicillin, respectively. The modified VTM produced using the CDC protocol modifications exhibited comparable performance to the original formula. This VTM enabled effective surveillance, contact tracing, patient sampling, and smart sampling in numerous laboratories. Our large-scale, in-house production of VTM timely addressed the shortage of this essential diagnostic component. The availability of VTM not only played a crucial role in overcoming limitations in COVID-19 diagnostic laboratories but also enabling high-volume testing at national level. This approach serves as a successful model for resource-limited settings to meet the demands of COVID-19 testing and enhance diagnostic capabilities. |
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| ISSN: | 3005-0960 |